An Indian immigration employee decorates the 'visa on arrival' counter. PHOTO: AFP
Most foreigners currently have to wait several weeks before learning whether they will be allowed to enter India after submitting their applications at visa processing centres, a major deterrent for potential visitors.
Under the new scheme, many tourists will be allowed to apply online and then receive the green light within five days, before picking up their visa at the airport on arrival into India.
"We have decided to extend the visa-on-arrival facility to tourists from 180 nations," Planning Minister Rajiv Shukla told reporters in the capital late Wednesday.
"The facility will provide a major boost to the country's tourism sector. This is historic," Shukla said.
Visitors from countries which account for the bulk of India's tourists - such as the United States, Britain and France - that have had to go through the time-consuming process of applying in person will be among those to benefit from the changes to regulations.
Citizens from eight countries including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Iraq have not been included in the changes for security reasons.
A meeting of top foreign ministry, tourism and other government officials on Wednesday cleared the way for the changes, which were also recently approved by the India's intelligence agencies.
The changes were first mooted last October, although only for 40 countries.
The government hopes to have the necessary infrastructure in place, including at the country's airports, by October in time for the start of the peak tourist season, local media reported Thursday.
India currently issues visas on arrival to visitors from 11 foreign nations, including Japan, Finland and Indonesia.
Despite its cultural attractions, beaches and mountains, India attracts relatively few foreign holidaymakers - 6.58 million in 2012, which was about a quarter of Thailand or Malaysia.
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Shame of what? we should only be ashamed from kuwait, india is our rival country and our visa policies for indians are also like the same they have for us....
Indians like their friends. I like Bangladesh because I live in west Bengal and I am a Punjabi sardar. It is a good move to bring 180 countries into our tourism or student sector. Well done
@Hailstorm: YES Bangladeshi is on the list of 180 countries. We don't have cavemen mentality.
@Bangladeshi Ahmed: "We send our drivers to the Indian embassy to get our visas..."
Make sure they are not female. Lolz.
@Indian Muslim: They are not Pakistanis..they are Indians but support Pakistan in cricket matches and in war mongering.
Pakistanis' already come to India legally or illegally never go back, go to Hyderabad or Lucknow area, you can find thousands of them,
@Giri: Pakistan should offer scholarships in MITs to train foreign converts of Islam........Jihadi tourism is way to go for Pakistan.
@Hailstorm: We send our drivers to the Indian embassy to get our visas...and our passports are stamped within minutes after document verification. You see the advantage now of 1971
What about Bangladesh? I hope they are not in those 180 countries that get VOA
@Pakistani: India has created this facility for countries with high tourists potential to boost its economy and not for the states seeking jobs and exporting terror in this country.
@Pakistani: and we are getting your market in return. who is winner?
@Pakistani: Muslim/Pakistani genetics make for attractive healthy strong good looking people. If these were removed from Bollywood actor pool you would have a Monkey Show...watched by monkey look a likes.
This is the reason why Paks are so much wanted, desired in Bollywood. The Hinduianes specially drool for Paks...from more than one orifice.
The word is out...India is not a safe country for women!
Pakistanis can offer Training on Arrival in many of the camps.
@Pakistani: slaves use to come to owner house/office!!! mind it. whoever came to india by applying job application!!! what a pathetic situation pakistani artists are also begging job in india.
@Pakistani, Dear, we don't want your artists in our country. We have enough of our own, ask your guys to stay put.
Travelers from Eight countries including Pakistan ,Iran, Sri Lanka and China have to make a prior reference for visa to travel to India. This scheme shall be applicable by October 2014. during the intervening period infrastructure shall be made ready to cope with it. VISA on Arrival facility will be initially available on 9 major airports only. This will give a boost to tourism industry in India.
@pakistani Cattle follow the green lands, isnt? We don't put gun to their heads to come and work in India....lol
Thanks ET guys for polishing our shoes